Hair can stretch a lot, but when you comb your hair with a comb, brush, or fingers, just a 10% stretch (1 inch in 10 inch-long hair) in fibers causes irreversible damage that can lead to breakage, followed by split ends from friction. Comb without tugging—start at the ends and work your way upwards. Comb hair in the shower while saturated with a detangling conditioner for additional lubrication. The rule for tangles is to start with a large tool and a larger section, then work your way down to smaller sections as the tangle releases.